Lycogala epidendrum, commonly known as wolf's milk, is a cosmopolitan species of plasmodial slime mould in the Reticulariaceae, class Myxogastria, often mistaken for a fungus.

The Myxogastria is a fascinating grouping of slime moulds that contains a recognized 60 or so genera and about 900 species. Lycogala epidendrum is cosmopolitan in distribution, like many other slime moulds. Lycogala epidendrum goes through a number of rather incredible morphological phases as it matures. Myxomycetes are perplexing organisms that demonstrate characteristics associated with both animals and fungi. Here are some of the highlights of their strange life cycle:

Members of the Myxogastria begin their life cycle after spores germinate. Haploid myxamoebae or myxaflagelletes are produced. Myxamoebae (crawling unicellular organisms) are produced if conditions are dryer and myxaflagelletes (swimming unicellular organisms) are produced if conditions are considerably moist. These unicellular organisms, move around on a substrate such as this rotting log as the devour bacteria/fungal spores/dissolved substances. As the unicellular forms gorge themselves, they can asexually reproduce through cell division. Depending on environmental conditions, two paths of development are followed. If there is a drastic change to undesirable conditions, these unicellular forms may begin a resting phase, morphing into thin-shelled forms known as microcysts. Microcysts can survive for periods of up to a year or more, until conditions change for the better. As conditions improve, they will become active monocellular amoeba-like forms once again!

If conditions stay suitable, these unicellular organisms will start to mate once they encounter the correct mating type. The result is the fusion of protoplasm/nuclei into diploid zygotes, which develop multiple nuclei through nuclear division (not cell division). These multinucleated monocellular organisms are known as plasmodium, which can be seen with the naked eye. The plasmodium continues to grow as it gains nourishment through phagocytosis.

Hi Yiannis,am interesting capture from the Trentino mountains,i never seen something like this and your perfect pic is the best way to understand how is made and what is in your precious note,very good work,i like it! Have a nice weekend and thanks,Luciano

Hi Yiannis,
Beautiful photo of this very common Myxomycota - which doesn't belong to the kingdom of fungi anymore. Beautiful sharpness + colors, but first of all a pleasant composition with the many pinkish orange balls. Great job. Congrats.
Best regaards, László

Hello Yiannis,
Now this is something new and interesting!! Slime molds always intrigue me, as it can change appearance drastically from day to day.
A beautiful specimen and shown in exceptional detail and beautiful vivid yet natural colors. Great presentation!!
Ron

Classical documentation of this very attractive Slime Mould growing on old wood, Yiannis.
The colony of it within the frame is a beautiful arrangement done by mother nature.
The image is sharp and the colours please the eyes.
TFS
Ram

hello Yiannis,
Very special and interesting picture. Well presented and with a good note, may be a little bit difficult to understand for laymen. The kind of posting I appreciate a lot.
Kind regards
Anne

Hallo Yiannis
Lichen and fungi is always interest me. The colour and contrast is really great showing the detail of them so beautifully. The subject is well seen and well taken - wonderful composition and colours. Great note explaining what I'm looking at as well..
Thanks for sharing. Best regards.
Anna

Hi Yiannis,
Wonderful presentation of these interesting things (I don't know what they are actually)! Impressive image of these red round egg like things on a trunk. Excellent sharp details, nice lighting and splendid colors. Thanks and regards!
John